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How To Secure A Dog In The Cargo Area Of An SUV

Is It Better To Transport Your Dog In A Car Or SUV?

Transporting your dog in a motor vehicle should be done with careful planning and attention to his or her safety while riding with you!

There are a number of things to consider, including the type of car that you will be driving, and what that means for the safety of your dog!

One of the more frequently asked questions that we would like to address is whether it is better to transport your dog in a car or an SUV.

Although this may seem like a question that is somewhat unimportant, it is actually very important to think about this aspect when purchasing a family car or otherwise deciding on what vehicle to take on a trip with your dog.

The biggest difference between cars (sedans), and SUVs is the amount of available storage and cargo space and passenger capacity.

When it comes to transporting your dog, the options available for comfortable and safe seating will largely depend on the relative size of the dog itself.

Naturally, a larger sized dog such as a Landseer will need significantly more room to travel safely and comfortably. Larger dogs such as a Spanish Water Dog will often need to ride in the trunk space of the vehicle.

Smaller dogs such as a Bichon Frise or Poodle can typically be confined to a single seat, or even simply be held in a passenger’s lap if it is deemed safe.

The trunk space or cargo hold on an SUV is a great place to transport your dog, as there is ample space to have them safely secured, and enough space for them to comfortably move around as well.

In the majority of SUV models, the cargo space at the back of the vehicle connects openly to the rest of the cabin.

This feature facilitates consistent airflow throughout the vehicle, and allows you to be in contact with your dog for the entire trip!

Cars, on the other hand, have much smaller trunks with significantly less capacity that are cut off from the rest of the vehicle.

When it comes to safety, SUVs will almost always be the safer choice for not only transporting your dog, but the human passengers as well.

In comparison to your ordinary car or sedan, SUVs will typically be sturdier and more resistant to impact, while also usually having an overall higher safety rating in general.

Cars are often much more prone to injury-inducing damage, rollovers and other dangerous situations.

We can quite convincingly conclude that it is better to transport a dog in an SUV as opposed to a car or sedan-style vehicle.

Not only is there significantly more space and seating options available, but SUVs are also inherently a lot safer as a vehicle than your typical car.

How To Secure A Dog In The Cargo Area of An SUV

When it comes to properly securing a dog in the cargo area of an SUV, there are a number of strategies and different methods that owners can use.

SUVs typically come in one of two vehicle styles – mid-size and full-size SUVs. Although there is a noticeable difference in size and space between the two styles, securing a dog in the cargo area of a mid-size or full-size SUV will involve the same methods.

Crate

The best way to secure a dog in an SUV will always involve the use of a dog crate. Dog crates are built to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and properly confined.

The size of your dog will dictate the size of the crate they need. Larger crates may require the back seats to be folded down in order to accommodate for space.

Once your crate has been properly fitted into the back of the vehicle, use the seatbelt straps to firmly secure the crate into the cargo area.

This will prevent sliding the back, which could not only cause damage to your car’s interior but could result in the crate tipping over completely.

Thread the seat belt through the safety straps on the crate, and then proceed to fasten it securely into the seat belt buckle. Be sure to pull and tighten the belt so that it is firmly securing the crate into position.

Harness

Most good-quality dog harnesses are designed with some sort of handle on the backside of the harness that can be easily accessed. This provides a great way to secure your dog properly into the back of an SUV.

Put your dog into his or her harness and proceed to place them in an appropriate position in the cargo area.

Next, use the handle attachment on the back of the harness to loop the nearby seat belt through, and then buckle it in and fasten it.

This will help keep the dog secured into position while still allowing them to stand up and lie down at their own will. The harness will also provide an extra level of protection against any bumps and bruises.

Carrier

A carrier is often mistaken as the same thing as a crate, but they are actually quite different.

Dog crates are more heavy-duty, typically made with hard plastic and featuring a metal caged door.

Carriers on the other hand are designed for comfort and are often made using softer materials like mesh and lightweight fabrics.

Carriers can be secured in the same fashion that a dog crate can.

Place your carrier in a good position in the back of the SUV, and proceed to firmly secure it by feeding a seatbelt through the handle or other attachment spot, and then buckling it in.

Smaller dogs will obviously be suited for smaller carriers. These smaller carriers can often be properly secured in one of the footwells of the car, given there is enough space for it to sit flat.

What Type Of Gear Do You Need For A Secure Trip?

Having the right type of gear to ensure your dog has a secure trip every time they come along for a ride is important.

There are a number of items that can be strategically combined in order to give your furry friend the best possible road tripping experience.

Harness

Dog harnesses work by wrapping securely around the chest and ribcage, in a way that disperses pressure evenly across a large area, ensuring comfort.

The harness will typically have a handle of some sort, which allows owners to attach leashes, leads or fastening equipment.

As we highlighted earlier, harnesses provide a great way to secure your dog in the cargo area of an SUV. Using the handle as an attachment point for the vehicle’s seat belt will keep your dog comfortable and safe.

Leashes

Having a leash with you is an essential part of owning a dog, regardless of size! Not only does it allow for control, but is necessary for the safety of both your dog and others.

Leashes can also be a good tool for properly securing your dog in the car when its time to go for a ride! Use them to accompany a harness and add extra support when traveling.

You can also use them as a last resort if you have no other way to secure your dog in the vehicle.

Carriers

Dog carriers are a softer, lighter weight version of dog crates. They can be used to secure your dog in the cargo area of an SUV, and can also be stowed in a footwell, if they are small enough to fit.

Blankets

Having blankets on hand to provide extra comfort, warmth or stability for your dog when traveling is important. You can use them like liners to soften the inside of crates and carriers, and will provide extra padding for your dog to get comfortable on.

Liners

Liners are purchasable pieces of fabric that are designed to fit into the cargo areas of SUVs, vans and other large vehicles.

They protect the interior of the vehicle from dander, scratches, stains and other damage. A great way to help keep your vehicle clean and odor free, while bringing your dog along for the ride!

Dividers

Dividers are barrier-style installments that are used to separate the back cargo area of an SUV or large vehicle, from the front cabin, where the driver and passengers are seated.

These will prevent your dog from climbing over seats into the main cabin of the vehicle and potentially causing driver distraction, but can still allow air flow and interaction.

Is It Safe To Ride With Your Dog In The Cargo Area?

The simple answer here is that no, it is not safe to ride with your dog in the cargo area of any vehicle.

Human’s need to legally be in a proper car seat, fastened in by a seat belt at all times when riding in a vehicle. Riding in the cargo area with your dog is not a good idea.

Are Pet Cargo Liners Worth It?

Pet cargo liners are a great thing to have if you are going to put them to proper use.

If you are wanting to keep the interior of your car clean and odor free, a pet cargo liner is one of the best ways to do that! They will protect the inside of the car from fur and dander, scratches and stains. Best of all, they can be removable and washable!

Pet cargo liners are definitely worth it if you travel with your pet frequently. Owners with large dogs will see more benefit from a liner, as opposed to owners with small breeds, who just simply won’t make as much of a mess!

Should You Buy A Divider Or Dog Barrier?